The French and Indian War

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and outcomes of the French and Indian War, aiding in review for the exam.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and France in North America, starting in 1754.

The British officially declared war

against France in 1756

Ft. Duquesne

A French fort established in the Ohio River Valley, which was significant in the early stages of the French and Indian War.

Ft. Necessity

A fort built by George Washington in 1754 during the French and Indian War, near Ft. Duquesne. Washington surrendered and was forced to leave. This was the unofficial start to the war,

George Washington's role

Sent to drive out the French from their forts, leading to his first military encounter.

George Washington

A key military leader during the French and Indian War who was sent to make the French leave their territory in the Ohio Valley. Includes Fr. Duquesne

Albany Congress

A meeting held in Albany, NY, aimed at unifying the colonies and securing Iroquois support against the French.

Albany Plan of Union

Proposed by Benjamin Franklin, this plan aimed for colonial unity but was ultimately rejected.

Join or Die

a political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, symbolizing the importance of colonial unity against French threats during the French and Indian War. 

General Edward Braddock

A British general who was defeated at Ft. Duquesne highlighted that European fighting styles in North America were not effective due to the different terrain,

Continental/linear style fighting (the European Style)

A method of warfare used by European armies, characterized by the formation of troops in straight lines or columns for organized engagement on the battlefield.

Guerilla Style fighting

French and Native American forcesused unconventional tactics including ambushes, surprise attacks, and mobility to challenge larger forces. And killed most of the British, including Bradock.

General James Wolfe

a British Army officer known for his leadership in the Battle of Quebec during the French and Indian War, which led to a pivotal victory for Britain.

William Pitt

The British Prime Minister who sought new tactics and military leaders to turn the tide of the war.

Battle of Quebec

A pivotal (turning point) battle where British General Wolfe successfully attacked the capital of New France but was killed. They were successful because they were able to scale the cliffs and surprise the French forces, leading to a critical (extremely important) victory that contributed (added to) to British dominance in North America.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

The agreement that ended the French and Indian War, resulting in France ceding (gave up) Canada and lands to Britain.

Impact on British-Colonial relations

The British victory generated colonial confidence but led to tensions over trade, taxation, and westward expansion.

Results of the War

1. The French and Indian War resulted in significant territorial gains for Britain, including Canada and land east of the Mississippi River, while also escalating tensions between Britain and its colonies due to increased taxes and regulations.

2. It led to Britain gaining control over vast territories in North America, enhancing their global power but creating resentment among colonists due to tax imposition and limited westward expansion.

3. France had less power because they lost so much territory, significantly diminishing their influence in North America.

4. The British won so now they had more power than the French and had more land in North America

5. The colonists fought fairly well, giving them as sense of unity and confidence

6. The war resulted in Britain gaining territorial control over Canada and land east of the Mississippi, while increasing colonial discontent due to new taxes and restrictions.

When did the Iroquois (Native Americans) join the war?

When it became obvious that the British would win (they joined the British)

Saluatory Neglect

The undocumented,  long-standing policy of avoiding strict enforcement of Parliamentary laws meant to keep the American colonies obedient to great Britian. 1607-1763

By “looking the other way” the British got richer.

(This was an unwritten rule where Britain for a long time purposely did not strictly make the American colonies follow all British laws. Britain hoped this would keep the colonies loyal, even though it also gave the colonies more freedom to govern themselves.)

Results/Future sources of tension/end of Salutary Neglect

The British won BUT:

1. Were unhappy with the results of the war, leading to increasing taxation and restrictions on the American colonies. The colonies had continued to trade with the French during the war and they refused to to pay new taxes to pay for the war.

2. They had new debt and needed to figure out how to pay for it.

3. wanted to keep the colonists from westward into Native American lands, leading to further conflicts and tensions. migrating westward.

Robert Walpole

He stated if no restrictions were placed on the colonies they would flourish (Salutary Neglect). He was the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, known for implementing policies that allowed the American colonies to operate with more independence (autonomy), promoting economic growth. (money/resources)